Super Eagles defender Ola Aina admits his decision to leave Chelsea for Torino has been instrumental in his development.
The 28-year-old fullback, who now plays for Nottingham Forest, was part of Chelsea’s famed Cobham academy and was on Conte’s 2017 Premier League-winning side. But he moved on loan to Hull City, then Torino in Serie A, a move he calls transformative.
Gaining a Tactical Edge in Italy
The Forest defender, who has been impressive in his showing for his side, most recently his superb performance against Jadon Sancho as Forest drew to Chelsea, reflected on his Italian experience and the role that Torino’s tactical training and Serie A’s defensive discipline played.

“I went to Italy; it was for me a good learning curve,” Aina said on the Counter Attack Podcast. “Because they’re known to be defensive and house tactical players, I sort of improved on that side of the game, and I can see that in myself now when I play.” And it was good to get out of my comfort zone,” he added of Italy, a place he had always admired.
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Nottingham Forest: New Beginnings

Aina returned to England after his contract with Torino was up in 2023, joining Nottingham Forest.
He reunited with fellow Nigerians Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis there, but quickly became a regular under boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
Aina can bring his refined tactical skills from Serie A to the Premier League, and this fresh start allows him to do so while playing in Forest’s backline with a bit of versatility and defensive solidity.